The well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed Apple’s AR/VR headset, long-rumored to be in development, will be released next year, sporting “Mac-level” power. A note from Kuo read in MacRumours indicates that the device could include two processors to enhance its capabilities.
Augmented Reality (AR) adds digital elements to live view typically through the camera of smartphones. Examples of AR-related experience include Snapchat lenses as well as Pokemon Go. Pokemon Go.
VR (VR) implies the complete immersion experience that blocks out the world of physical reality. With VR devices like HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or Google Cardboard, users can be transported to a variety of imaginary and real-world settings like the middle of a squawking penguin community and even behind the back of a dragon.
Imagine entering a VR world with an OSX feel interface, or even imagine using a computer with that degree of immersion, you could enter all kinds of sites like online casino NetBet and feel a whole new kind of mixed experience.
One processor is believed as being similar to Apple’s initial internal silicon, the M1. This chip will be able to handle the more challenging tasks of the device. A lower-end processor is used to process sensors data.
Rumors of Apple’s entry into the AR/VR market have been floating around for a few years, with numerous sources suggesting Apple will launch two new devices.
One of the devices was believed to be an individual VR headset that was reminiscent similar to Oculus Quest. Another device is believed to be more like smart glasses that had AR capabilities.
Previous rumors from CNET in 2018 suggested Apple was developing an advanced AR/VR headset featuring an 8K LCD for each eye. The headset could be detached from the smartphone or computer as well as work with both augmented and virtual real-world applications.
Instead of relying upon the connection of computers or smartphones instead, this headset CNET explained would be connected to a “dedicated box” using a short-range wireless technology with a high speed, referred to as 60GHz WiGig. The device would have a customized five-nanometer Apple processing unit that’s “more powerful than anything currently available.”
The box appears to resemble an old-fashioned PC tower, however, the box “won’t be an actual Mac computer.” The box-like design has been the focus of initial reports and could be a concept that was later abandoned in favor of the more modern version that reports are now describing.
Internal conflicts are said to have changed Apple’s plans in its AR headset as time passed. Apple had initially planned to create a super-powerful headset that included an integrated hub that housed the processor described in the previous paragraph, however, Jony Ive, who has left Apple, did not intend to market a product that required an additional, stationary device that could be fully functional.
Apple is currently working on a pair of AR glasses that Leaker Jon Prosser has suggested Apple will label”Apple Glass. “Apple Glass.” The name is an odd choice considering the resemblance in name to Google Glass, a product that existed many years before Apple’s efforts on AR glasses were revealed and therefore, it may not be true.
The glasses are expected to be similar to regular glasses, and the lenses both have displays that you can interact by using gestures. The glasses will have the alternative to purchase the glasses without prescription lenses, at a cost of just $499 with prescription lenses being available for purchase.
As per Bloomberg, The glasses are currently in the beginning stages of development which is even earlier than an AR/VR device Apple is currently working on. The glasses are called “several years away,” however Apple had originally planned to release them as soon as 2023. The prototype currently in development resembles premium glasses that have thick frames that contain chips and batteries.
Apple has been reported to be planning to utilize “cutting edge” OLED microdisplays provided by Sony in its speculation of Augmented Reality glasses. Sony’s OLED microdisplays have an extremely fast response time, high contrast, a large spectrum of colors, high brightness as well as low reflectance. They also have integrated drivers to create a slim and lightweight design. The glasses come with a 0.5-inch screen with a resolution of 1280×960 pixels. Apple has filed multiple patents that pertain directly to the virtual reality headset with a history that spans some time. While the technology has probably improved a bit over these but they are a fascinating glimpse into the concepts Apple has considered over the years.
The report by Kuo indicates that Apple’s headset will be able to support both VR as well as AR. Kuo claims that the headset will be powered by two four-inch micro OLED screens from Sony to provide VR capabilities. These displays will need the power from the M1 to provide power.